If you’re ready to take your academic journey to the next level, this is your moment. The Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy has opened applications for its XLI Cycle PhD Programs (2025) in Economics and Finance, Management and Innovation, and Physical Exercise and Sports Sciences. With funded positions, international exposure, and cutting-edge research opportunities, this is a golden opportunity for aspiring scholars from around the world.
Financial Benefits of This Scholarship
Selected PhD scholars will receive an annual scholarship of €16,243 (gross). If your research requires you to go abroad, the scholarship increases by 50% for up to 12–18 months. Additionally, a research fund of €1,624.30 per year is provided to cover academic expenses. Tuition fees are kept modest at €836 per year, payable in two instalments. However, be mindful that if your annual income surpasses the scholarship amount, the funding will be withdrawn.
Programs Offered
1# PhD in Economics and Finance
This four (04) year program is coordinated by Prof. Emiliano Santoro and offers five positions—four with full scholarships. Applicants must submit a research project (maximum 15,000 characters), a CV, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and two letters of recommendation. Optional materials include GMAT/GRE scores and up to four publications. The selection is based on a maximum score of 100, with at least 50 required to be considered. Points are awarded for CV (60 points), the research proposal (25 points), and letters of recommendation (15 points).
2# PhD in Management and Innovation
Coordinated by Prof. Eugenio Anessi Pessina, this three (03) year program includes six places, five of which are funded. Applicants must have a degree in economics, business, or a related discipline (or an equivalent foreign qualification). You’ll need to submit your CV, a self-certification of your degree or enrollment, a motivation letter (max 30 lines), a research project (max 2,000 words), and two reference letters. The selection process includes document evaluation and an oral exam, both scored out of 60. You must score at least 40/60 in each phase to advance or pass.
3# PhD in Physical Exercise and Sports Sciences
This three (3) year program is offered in collaboration with the University of Milan and coordinated by Prof. Caterina Gozzoli. Five positions are available (four with scholarships). Applicants must provide a CV, proof of degree or enrollment, a research proposal (max 2,000 words), and a motivation letter. The assessment is based on a combined score of up to 100 (50 for written materials and 50 for the oral exam), with a minimum total of 70/100 required to gain admission. The program accepts language proficiency in English or Spanish.
Who Can Apply?
The PhD programs are open to candidates of any age or nationality who hold a graduate degree. Final-year students who expect to graduate by October 31, 2025, are also eligible to apply. English language proficiency is required for most programs, though Spanish is acceptable for the Sports Sciences track.
Application Process and Deadline
Applicants must submit their online applications no later than July 7, 2025, by 12 PM (Italy local time) through the official portal:
https://progetti.unicatt.it/progetti-ateneo-bandi-e-concorsi-milano-piacenza-brescia#content
A €50 non-refundable application fee is required. Note that each application is valid for one program only, so if you’re applying to multiple PhDs, you must submit separate applications for each.
Call: https://progetti.unicatt.it/progetti-ateneo-bandi-e-concorsi-milano-piacenza-brescia.
The last date to apply for the PhD Programs (XLI Cycle 2025) at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is July 7, 2025.